Coles first tenant for Ripley Town Centre

Peter Foley
Senior Reporter
Raised in Ipswich, I have been a reporter at The Queensland Times since 2002. I cover general news. For quite a few years I was responsible for the police round. My round now is local government. I also love covering horse racing when I can sneak out of the office.

"Sekisui House is thrilled to announce that Coles will be Ripley Town Centre's first anchor tenant, as was the local community, judging by the roaring reception we received after the announcement today," Mr Abe said.

More than 500 people attended Ecco Ripley's birthday celebrations on Saturday.

"To attract one of Australia's largest retailers is an achievement for Ecco Ripley, and will cement Ripley Town Centre's role as the go-to retail destination of the Ripley Valley once it opens in 2017," he said.

"With Coles leading the way, opportunities will soon become available for retail, commercial and community services to also become a part of Ripley Town Centre."

The future Ripley Town Centre will serve as the primary town centre to the Ripley Valley region with provisions for 257,000 sqm, equivalent to about 40 football fields.

Coles regional manager Wayne Dallinger said Coles was excited to be a part of Ripley Town Centre and a key contributor to the growth of Ripley Valley's economy.

"Having achieved so many milestones in such a short space of time, Ecco Ripley has played a key role in the evolution of the Ripley Valley, which is what attracted Coles to becoming the first anchor tenant at Ripley Town Centre," Mr Dallinger said.

"The presence of Coles supermarket at the Ripley Town Centre will provide local job opportunities and ultimately boost the region's existing appeal to buyers and investors of all ages."

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the first birthday of Ecco Ripley was important for the community and Ripley Valley.

"The new community is well on track to providing diversity in housing, key amenities and facilities for Ipswich's growing population," he said.

"We look forward to 2017 when Coles opens its doors to shoppers and when the Ripley Town Centre will be another thriving centre in south east Queensland."